Agenda item
Visit to Auden House 8:00pm
Refreshments next door at Auden House, St Ann’s Court, Cemetery Road.
Minutes:
Cllr D’Agorne has left the meeting before the visit to Auden House.
3.1 Bob Sydes – Heritage Renaissance Officer presented wide overview of York Central Historic Core Conservation Area Appraisal public consultation draft.
· This document is about celebrating York's special qualities. It is about a city making history, a world class city of the 21st century. The report has taken six months to complete, and is the first detailed examination of the special qualities of York's historic centre.
· The appraisal will help to fulfil a statutory duty to draw up and publish proposals to preserve and improve conservation areas. It does this by defining the unique characteristics which make the historic core of York so special and identifying the threats and opportunities to its conservation and enhancement.
· The appraisal is divided into two parts. Part one deals with understanding the city, including a detailed assessment of 24 individual character areas within the larger conservation area and an analysis of key views and building heights. Part two deals with recommendations setting out proposals for further work and action.
· Public consultations on the appraisal are taking place currently at Ward Committee Meetings and public exhibitions. Residents are able to comment via City of York Council website, or by sending comments to: Conservation, FREEPOST, (YO239), York, YO1 7ZZ.
Following comments and questions were raised.
Q What are the plans in regards to car parks in the city centre?
A Consequences of closure of city centre car parks would be huge, it would affect many residents. Castle Piccadilly car park area is developing currently and we will see what improvements will come out from that.
Cllr Taylor has commented on the historical importance of Fishergate Postern and potential benefits from redevelopment of the area.
Q Have you got funds to accomplish the plans from that document?
A We have a vision for the City Centre future, big sums of money will be required to accomplish that and we haven’t got them, however there is some money to take things forward.
Bob Sydes had also brought up following aspect: bringing historic buildings to 21st century standards, creating architectural assets, idea of pedestrian route along River Foss underneath the bridge, continuous walkway/floating pontoons along the River Ouse.
3.5 Mo Healey – Auden House Manager presented the information about the establishment.
· There are 41, two bedroom apartments in the building;
· Residents are the individuals who need carer or supporter in order to live independently;
· Applications for the apartment at Auden House are processed by City of York Council;
· Rent charge for one person is £238.17 a week and for two people £253.67 a week. Heating, laundry service and meals are included in that price;
· Residents are able to install their own washing machine, fridge or cooker in the apartment;
· Cafe and internet areas are open to general public during the day;
· Free Wi-Fi is operational in the cafe area;
· Lunches are offered to general public with the priority given to the residents of Auden House, the prices vary from £4.70 on weekdays to £5.50 on Sunday;
· Care for residents is provided by Ricall Carers;
· Building is very secure, with CCTV cameras operating at the main entrance and on the car park;
Following questions were asked.
Q Is it possible to pre-order a lunch meal?
A Yes, it can be done before 10:00am on the same day. Meals are served between 12:00noon and 2:00pm.
Q Is the care for residents provided on the premises 24 hours a day?
A We do provide care while we are in the building. During the out of office hours all calls are diverted to our warden call provider.
Q What is the response time?
A There is no guaranteed response time, the carer will arrive as soon as possible. Obviously if it is an emergency the ambulance will be called.
Q What about the situation when the resident require help and is stuck in the bathroom?
A There are pull cords and also remote call buttons in each apartment.
Q Would you be able to show us around the apartment?
A Yes, it can be arranged during the day time.
Action: It was suggested that a tour of the building be arranged at a later date and all those attending and other residents in the ward be invited.